The O'Brien Open, the annual fundraising golf outing that benefits the Seattle U men's basketball program, featured a record 166 golfers last Monday, Sept. 12, at The Golf Course at Redmond Ridge.
Although final totals are still pending, the ninth annual event will be the most financially successful, with over $40,000 raised for the Redhawk men's basketball program. Along with the record number of golfers, the event received the most corporate sponsor support in the nine-year history of the outing.
For the first time, a title sponsor was attached to the event, as Puget Sound Bank of Bellevue signed on as the presenting sponsor. Jim Mitchell, the president and CEO of Puget Sound Bank, is a 1971 graduate of the Albers School of Business and Economics and currently serves on that school's board.
The O'Brien Open is named in honor of Seattle U Athletic Hall of Famers Ed and John O'Brien, who were once again on hand to lend their continued support. Seattle U head men's basketball coach Cameron Dollar greeted all of the golfers during registration to thank them for their generosity.
Money was also raised for the Seattle U golf program, as members of the men's and women's golf teams were on hand interacting with the participants. About $1,200 was raised as a result of O'Brien Open golfers making donations to the Seattle U golfers in return for them hitting shots on behalf of the O'Brien Open participants.
The annual O'Brien Open takes place every September to benefit the Seattle University men's basketball program.